Contribute
If you have compelling stories and photographs, Outrider Journal wants to hear from you. We’re glad you would consider contributing and appreciate your interest in making ORJ a great publication. However, we can’t assume responsibility for unsolicited material, and we can’t send your material back unless it comes with a self-addressed stamped envelope.
We pay good money for stories and photos, and retain non-exclusive rights to publish your contributions in print and digitally (including, but not limited to, downloaded PDFs, website and email blasts).
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Photo Submissions
Outrider Journal will feature incredible imagery. That doesn’t always mean that it has to be perfectly lit and staged. Those shots have their place, but when you’re traveling to the Darien Gap or hitting a singletrack in the mountains near your home, carrying a DSLR isn’t always an option. Sometimes the best images are spontaneous, a brief window that closes as quickly as it opens. We like to call them “Happy Snaps,” but truthfully they’re images taken in the moment that have more of photojournalism feel.
The idea is to capture powerful images that are rich and contextual. Look for interesting angles and composition. We want to show the gritty, fun and interesting side of motorcycle adventure travel, and all (OK, most) of the things that go along with it. Here are some guidelines for submitting photography to Outrider Journal.
1. Shoot in RAW mode whenever possible as it allows you to get the best quality out of your images when processing. If your camera doesn’t shoot RAW make sure you’re on the highest resolution JPEG setting. Be sure to turn the date and time setting off.
2. While we prefer high-resolution TIF files from a camera that is at least 12MP, we’ll also consider exceptional photos from any camera in any format. Sometimes the best things happen when the only camera at hand is the one on your iPhone.
3. We love film and will gladly accept positive film (slides), cross-processed media as well as B/W prints (8×12 and smaller). High quality scans from film are also accepted. All prints should be made from the original film on photographic paper. Sorry, we can’t accept inkjet prints.
4. Re-name your files using this format: last name_first name_YY_MM_DD_image number.[extension]. If possible, please add appropriate metadata including the date, location, photographer’s name and names of people in the photos. Adding keywords will help us search for images.
5. Process your re-named RAW files as high-resolution TIF files (300 ppi, 16-bit in Adobe 1998 color space) along with 8-bit JPGS with matching file names. When processing, look at the histogram and try to retain as much information as possible in the highlights and shadows as we can always add contrast later. Use the JPGs to build proof sheets in Photoshop or Lightroom.
6. We can set up an FTP account for you to upload images, or you can mail them to us. Unfortunately, we can’t download photos off your Facebook page, Flickr, SmugMug or any other photo sharing website. If you’re mailing submissions, put the TIF, JPG and proof sheet files in separate folders and burn to a CD-R or DVD-R. Include one set of printed proof sheets. If you have a large number of files, contact us about sending them on a jump drive or external hard drive.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Writer Guidelines
Here are some things to consider when you write for Outrider Journal.
This publication is for the adventure travel motorcyclist. We talk about bikes. But our heart and soul is the lifestyle, the journey. Mud on the boots and sand in the teeth make us feel alive. We hope it does the same for you.
We want you to take our readers along on your rides. To see the backcountry and meet the people through your eyes. We want them to feel it, to know what it was like when you were there. When they finish reading your fantastic story, they’ll think “That was a great trip.” Then they’ll think, “I could do that.”
Our readers are very serious about dual sport bikes and adventure motorcycle travel. This is their lifestyle and they devote significant amounts of time and money toward it. Whether they’ve been riding for two months or two decades they are well-informed. Our goal is to reach these riders in a fun, informative and entertaining fashion.
For a sample document that covers our formatting and other details, please email us here.
Thanks again for considering Outrider Journal.